Go for the exceptional mezes and liver washed down with a bottle of triple distilled Beylerbeyi rakı. The fish and vegetal starters are life changing.

This grilled meat palace is at the entrance of Hocapaşa Sokak. Go for the cağ kebabı, skewered meat cut from a horizontal spit.

The amazing döner shop across the street from Pando. Eat a late breakfast then go directly to Asım Usta for a pide full of sliced meat.

Tucked away on a back street amongst vendors selling hardware and scuba gear, Tarihi Karaköy Balikcisi may very well be the best fish restaurant in town. Go at lunch when (and only when) Maharrem Usta is working the charcoal and get the grilled sole.

Simply the best place in Istanbul for grilled sweetbreads and Adana kebab.

Probably the best pide in town.

A meyhane in Beyoğlu and one of the best places in the neighborhood for a traditional meal of mezes and rakı.

A dependable spot for upscale contemporary Anatolian.